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Kerry Carpenter Reacts to Jake Rogers' Departure from Tigers: 'We're All Torn Up'
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- Kerry Carpenter Reacts to Jake Rogers' Departure from Tigers: 'We're All Torn Up'
Detroit Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter didn't hold back Tuesday when asked about the Tigers' decision to designate catcher Jake Rogers for assignment, making clear the move hit hard in the clubhouse.
The Tigers cleared a roster spot for shortstop Javier Baez , who returned from the injured list Tuesday and started in center field. Rogers, a fixture in Detroit since his 2019 debut, was let go instead of a handful of other roster candidates, which stunned much of the fan base and the team.
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The move now puts Eduardo Valencia, called up Monday when Carpenter went to the injured list, into the backup catcher role behind Dillon Dingler .
Detroit Tigers right fielder Kerry Carpenter (30) © Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Carpenter, who is currently on the injured list himself, spoke to The Athletic's Cody Stavenhagen about losing a teammate widely regarded as one of the sport's most well-liked clubhouse presences.
"I think we're all pretty torn up about it," Carpenter said. "A guy that you can always count on to lighten the mood and bring joy to the clubhouse and the dugout and the game."
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Rogers, 31, hit .161 with three home runs and a .567 OPS in 34 games this season, but his impact went well beyond the stat line. He was a key figure during Tarik Skubal 's 2024 Cy Young campaign, a bond Skubal honored with a gifted watch during his award speech. Rogers will have 10 days to be claimed off waivers, and a contender could easily view his defense and leadership as worth a bench spot down the stretch.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jul 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
